Written Answers Tuesday 16 December 2008

Scottish Executive

Football

Michael McMahon (Hamilton North and Bellshill) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what role it considers that the Scotland football team plays in promoting sports participation rates and whether it has had discussions with the Scottish Football Association about the rules determining entitlement to play for the team and their application.

Stewart Maxwell: The success of the national team often energises the public and could potentially act as a catalyst for individuals to be involved with the game or renew a participatory interest.

  The Scottish Government has not held any discussions with the Scottish Football Association regarding the rules determining entitlement to play for the national team and their application.

Health

Gavin Brown (Lothians) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-17933 by Shona Robison on 2 December 2008, what action it is taking to increase the number of NHS Lothian stroke patients admitted to specialist units within 24 hours.

Nicola Sturgeon: We continue to urge all NHS boards, including NHS Lothian, to make progress to achieve the NHS Quality Improvement Scotland clinical standard that 70% of all patients admitted to hospital with a diagnosis of stroke are admitted to a stroke unit within 24 hours of presentation at hospital. NHS boards are expected to work with their stroke Managed Clinical Network on meeting this and the other stroke service standards.

  In October, NHS board chief executives were asked to provide details of the action they are taking to address issues such as this where the stroke audit identified the need for improvement. The replies will be assessed by the National Advisory Committee on Stroke.

Higher Education

Murdo Fraser (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive how it plans to encourage higher levels of philanthropic giving to universities in Scotland.

Fiona Hyslop: We will be discussing with the Scottish Funding Council and Universities Scotland how we might encourage higher levels of philanthropic giving to Scottish universities.

Housing

Mary Mulligan (Linlithgow) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive how many landlords have been removed from the register for the Landlord Registration Scheme, broken down by local authority.

Stewart Maxwell: One landlord has been removed from East Ayrshire Council’s Landlord Register.

International Relations

Bill Wilson (West of Scotland) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of its international framework, whether the Scottish Government will endeavour to ensure that the stated aim for its international activities of "bringing a sharp economic growth focus to the promotion of Scotland abroad" will not take precedence over its aim of "managing Scotland’s reputation as…an independent-minded and responsible nation".

Linda Fabiani: Promoting Scotland as a place to live, learn and invest complements Scotland’s role as a responsible nation. The Scottish Government will continue to ensure that, through the work of Scottish Development International and the building of strong business and education aspects to major overseas ministerial visits, a strong economic dimension is a key part of its overseas international activities. Visits on these terms to North America, China, Norway and Russia have already been undertaken. During that same period, the Scottish Government has announced increased funds for the Scottish Government’s International Development Policy published in May 2008, which sets out how Scotland will play its part in alleviating global poverty.

International Relations

Michael McMahon (Hamilton North and Bellshill) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what estimate it has made of the value of Scotland’s economic, sporting and other cultural links with Argentina and how this compares with the value of such links with England.

Linda Fabiani: The Scottish Government does not hold the information requested by the member, aspects of which are not measurable.

Justice

Richard Baker (North East Scotland) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of people breaching (a) community sentence, (b) probation, (c) supervised attendance and (d) drug treatment and testing orders in 2007-08 served a prison sentence as a result.

Kenny MacAskill: The number of proportion of people breaching (a) community service (b) probation (c) supervised attendance and (d) drug treatment and testing orders who served a prison sentence as a result is published in the Statistical Bulletin Criminal Justice Social Work Statistics, 2007-08 , which can be found here http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/12/09091001/0.

Justice

Richard Baker (North East Scotland) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what the (a) average and (b) overall cost was of breach applications made in respect of (i) community sentence, (ii) probation, (iii) supervised attendance and (iv) drug treatment and testing orders in 2007-08.

Richard Baker (North East Scotland) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what the average length of time was following sentencing before offenders commenced (a) community sentence, (b) probation, (c) supervised attendance and (d) drug treatment and testing orders in 2007-08, broken down by local authority area.

Kenny MacAskill: This information is not held centrally.

Lottery Funding

Mr Frank McAveety (Glasgow Shettleston) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of recent media interest in funding available from the Big Lottery Fund (BLF) and the fact that ministers will be setting new high-level policy directions for the BLF in Scotland from 2009, whether the Scottish Government will set out the (a) level of funding lost to the BLF as a direct result of diversion to the 2012 London Olympics and (b) the levels of funding it expects the BLF to have available for distribution in each of the next six years.

Stewart Maxwell: (a) The diversion from the Big Lottery Fund in Scotland as a result of the 2012 Olympics is estimated at £73 million. The diversion will have the biggest impact in 2009-10 and 2010-11.

  (b) The Big Lottery Fund in Scotland reports that the following levels of funding are expected over the next six years. This includes funding for both existing commitments and for new activities.

  

 
 2009-10
 2010-11
 2011-12
 2012-13
 2013-14
 2014-15


Funding for Existing Commitments
  (Investing in Communities programmes)

£44.8 million
£2.3 million
 
 
 
 


 Funding for new commitments 
£24.8 million
£30 million
£41 million
£66.8 million
£66.8 million
£66.8 million


 Total Funding available
£69.6 million
£32.3 million
£41 million
£66.8 million
£66.8 million
£66.8 million

Ministerial Visits

Mike Rumbles (West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive on how many occasions the First Minister has left Scotland on official business since 16 May 2007, also showing the number of people who accompanied him on each occasion and (a) the purpose, (b) total cost and (c) who paid for each visit.

Linda Fabiani: The First Minister left Scotland 20 times on official business from 16 May 2007 to 3 July 2008. Please see following details. Costs are those associated with the First Minister and include transport and accommodation.

  

 Location
 Date
 Purpose
 Support
 First Minister Cost
 Who paid


 Belfast
 18-19 June 2007
 Speech to MLAs and meeting with FM and DFM of Northern Ireland
 3
£487.15
 Scottish Government 


 Brussels
 11 July 2007
 Reception for Brussels stakeholders and Passchendaele memorial service with Her Majesty the Queen
 4
£1335.69
 Scottish Government


 Belfast
 15-16 July 2007
 British Irish Council
 3
£327.06
 Scottish Government


 London
 24-26 July 2007
 Dual Mandate. FM business : Taking Oath
 1
SG costs: £619.66
 MP Warrant and Scottish Government


 USA
 10-13 October 2007
 Promotion of Scotland as an attractive location for investment
 2
£6349.84
 Scottish Government


 Sri Lanka
 5-12 November 2007
 Commonwealth Games 2012 bid
 3
£3912.50
 Scottish Government


 London
 18-19 November 2007
 Queen’s Diamond Wedding Celebrations
 1
£1023.86
 Scottish Government


 London
 26-27 November 2007
 Interview with Andrew Neil, Political Studies Awards and First Ministerial meetings
 1
£594.31
Scottish Government


 Dublin
 13-14 February 2008
 British Irish Council
 3
£182.72
 Scottish Government


 London
 26-27 February 2008
 Dual Mandate. FM business : International Press Briefing
 2 
SG Cost: £606.70
 MP Warrant and Scottish Government


 London
 5-6 March 2008
 Dual Mandate. FM business: Meeting with Peter Ricketts
 1 
SG Cost: £416.63 
 MP Warrant and Scottish Government


 London
 13-14 March 2008
 Appearing on Question Time
 1 
£965.11
 Scottish Government


 USA
 30 March - 6 April 2008
 Scotland Week
 4
£6915.27
 Scottish Government


 Brussels
 23 April 2008
 European Seafood Expo
 1 
£1607.31
 Scottish Government


 London
 28-29 April 2008
 Dual Mandate. FM business : Meeting with the Prime Minister and dinner with Russian Ambassador
 2
SG Cost: £499.92
 MP Warrant and Scottish Government


 Manchester
 14 May 2008
 UEFA Cup Final
 1 
£115.90
 Scottish Government


 Belfast
 4 June 2008
 Opening Stena line terminal
 1 
£33.46
 Scottish Government


 London
 11 June 2008
 Dual Mandate. FM business : Meeting with John Hutton
 1 
 SG costs: £160.70
 MP Warrant and Scottish Government


 London
 25 June 2008
 Joint Ministerial Committee
 1 
£572.05
 Scottish Government


 London
 2-3 July 2008
 Dual Mandate. FM business : Meeting with Sir Michael Lyons of the BBC
 1 
 SG costs: £257.23
 MP Warrant and Scottish Government

Ministerial Visits

Keith Brown (Ochil) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide information on the destination, purpose and costs of all ministerial visits overseas from 1 April 2006 to 31 March 2008.

Linda Fabiani: The information requested is set out in the following table.

  The cost given for each visit includes all flight, accommodation and other expenses.

  Engagements marked * were at zero cost to the Scottish Government. Before any overseas engagement is approved, it must represent good value for the Scottish Government and the taxpayer.

  

 Date of Visit
 End Date 
(if different)
 Location
 Event
 Minister (s)
Number of Officials whoTravelled
Cost of Minister’sTravel and Subsistence (£)


 02/04/2006 
 09/04/2006 
 USA 
 The Minister travelled to USA where he undertook a series of engagements as part of the Tartan Week delegation. The Programme covered events in Washington and New York.
 Jack McConnell
 3
£8,555.27


 02/04/2006 
 06/04/2006 
 Canada 
 The Minister travelled to Toronto to meet and discuss international benchmarking, school transformation, curriculum structure and exams structure within both primary and secondary schools. 
 Peter Peacock
 2
£4,325.02


 03/04/2006 
 07/04/2006 
 USA 
 The Minister travelled to USA where he undertook a series of engagements as part of the Tartan Week delegation. The programme covered events in Chicago, Washington and New York.
 Tom McCabe
 5
£6,764.04


 05/04/2006 
 07/04/2006 
 Denmark 
 The Minister travelled to Copenhagen to attend a meeting of the Educational Benchmarking Club. He also took the opportunity to look at the Danish Early Years provision.
 Robert Brown
 2
£1,007.00


 25/04/2006 
 26/04/2006 
 Belgium 
 The Minister attended the Committee of the Regions and Associated REGLEG Inter-Regional Group in Brussels.
 George Lyon
 2
£742.13


 05/05/2006 
 11/05/2006 
 Australia 
 The Minister travelled to Melbourne to represent Scotland as part of the UK bidding team to host the Worldskills Competition in London in 2011.
 Allan Wilson
 1
 0.00*


 09/05/2006 
 11/05/2006 
 Belgium 
 The Minister travelled to Brussels to attend the European Seafood Exposition.
 Ross Finnie
 3
£742.60


 15/05/2006 
 16/05/2006 
 Monaco 
 The Minister travelled to Monaco where he attended a dinner to mark the resumption of Scotch beef exports to France.
 Ross Finnie
 3
£499.50


 18/05/2006 
 19/05/2006 
 Belgium 
 The Minister travelled to Brussels to attend the Education, Youth and Culture Council.
 Peter Peacock
 2
£493.50 **


 20/05/2006 
 28/05/2006 
 Malawi 
 The Minister travelled to Lilongwe where she confirmed Scotland’s commitment to working with Malawi following the First Minister’s visit in May 2005. The Minister co-chaired, with senior Malawian Ministers, the Joint Commission on Malawi.
 Patricia Ferguson
 3
£4,017.00


 21/05/2006 
 23/05/2006 
 Estonia 
 The Minister travelled to Tallin to support the Scottish Executive’s "Scottish Week in Estonia".
 George Lyon
 2
£838.40


 21/05/2006 
 23/05/2006 
 Bavaria 
 The Minister travelled to Munich and Regensburg to visit a number of developments illustrating aspects of planning, particularly in housing developments and to identify good practice which could be introduced to Scotland.
 Johann Lamont
 2
£962.00


 22/05/2006 
 23/05/2006 
 Belgium 
 The Minister attended an Agriculture and Fisheries Council in Brussels 
 Ross Finnie
 3
£723.50


 28/05/2006 
 29/05/2006 
 Netherlands 
 The Minister travelled to Rotterdam to attend a Scottish Beef event with Quality Meat Scotland (QMS). The Minister was undertaking a series of engagements organised by QMS to promote Scotch Beef in light of the lifting of the European Export ban. 
 Ross Finnie
 2
£661.00


 06/06/2006 
 08/06/2006 
 USA 
 The Minister travelled to Atlanta to support and promote the Delta Airlines’ inaugural flight from Edinburgh to Atlanta. The Minister made a welcoming speech to the incoming flight at a press conference in Edinburgh before joining the outgoing flight.
 Tavish Scott
 3
£1,647.90


 11/06/2006 
 13/06/2006 
 Poland 
 The Minister travelled to Warsaw and Krakow to launch the Fresh Talent Initiative’s Polish Information Pack. 
 Tom McCabe
 5
£348.68


 12/06/2006 
 14/06/2006 
 Poland 
 The Lord Advocate travelled to Warsaw to attend the Conference of the Supreme Courts, Attorneys General and Prosecutor General of the Member States of the European Union.
 Colin Boyd
 1
£1,154.22


 12/06/2006 
 13/06/2006 
 Italy 
 The Minister travelled to Bologna to officially launch the promotion of re-entry of Scotch beef into Italy. 
 Ross Finnie
 3
£1,359.30


 16/06/2006 
 17/06/2006 
 Netherlands 
 The Solicitor General travelled to Amsterdam to attend the European Arrest Warrant Conference
 Elish Angiolini
 2
£555.50



 18/06/2006 
 22/06/2006 
 Finland & Russia
 The Minister travelled to Helsinki and Moscow to build on the strong links we have with both countries regarding trade and investment.
 Nicol Stephen
 4
£2,025.00


 26/06/2006 
 27/06/2006 
 Luxembourg 
 The Minister travelled to Luxembourg to attend an Environment Council.
 Rhona Brankin
 2
£875.00


 30/06/2006 
 02/07/2006 
 France 
 The Minister travelled to Paris and Contalmaison to represent Scotland at events on the 90th Anniversary of the battle of the Somme.
 Margaret Curran
 1
£1,036.66


 11/07/2006 
 12/07/2006 
 Belgium 
 The Minister travelled to Brussels to attend a Scottish dinner and meet with Scottish MEPs.
 Margaret Curran
 1
£617.56


 25/07/2006 
 26/07/2006 
 Ireland 
 The Minister travelled to Dublin as part of a wider tour to gain a general insight into transport priorities across Ireland and the challenges faced by them.
 Tavish Scott
 4
£286.66


 25/07/2006 
 27/07/2006 
 Norway 
 The Minister travelled to Bergen to attend a series of events regarding energy and environmental issues.
 Nicol Stephen
 3
£883.31


 06/08/2006 
 08/08/2006 
 Norway 
 The Minister travelled to Trondheim to attend an international Ministerial conference on curbing illegal fisheries. 
 Ross Finnie
 1
£916.80


 26/08/2006 
 31/08/2006 
 France 
 The Lord Advocate travelled to Paris where he attended the International Associations of Prosecutors Conference
 Colin Boyd
 2
£952.68


 28/08/2006 
 29/08/2006 
 Portugal 
 The Minister travelled to Lisbon where he met with the Assistant State Secretary for Industry and Innovation.
 Nicol Stephen
 3
£1,100.60


 28/08/2006 
 02/09/2006 
 China 
 The Minister travelled to China to build on the existing strong links between Scotland and China
 Tom McCabe
 3
£4,460.00


 29/08/2006 
 31/08/2006 
 Germany 
 The Minister travelled to Düsseldorf and Duisburg where she met with State Secretary Dr Shrink. She also undertook a number of environmentally themed visits.
 Rhona Brankin 
 3
£591.40


 29/08/2006 
 
 Belgium 
 The Minister travelled to Brussels for discussions with Commissioner Borg.
 Ross Finnie
 1
£493.30


 04/09/2006 
 06/09/2006 
 France 
 The Minister travelled to the European Parliament in Strasbourg to promote the Scottish and UK position on the draft EU Spirit Drinks Regulation.
 Allan Wilson
 4
£1,459.18



 20/09/2006 
 21/09/2006 
 Finland 
 The Minister travelled to Kuopio where he spoke at the Health in all Policies conference.
 Andy Kerr
 1
£1,799.26


 22/09/2006 
 23/09/2006 
 Ireland 
 The Minister travelled to Dublin to support Scotland in the Ryder Cup.
 Jack McConnell
 1
£131.20


 09/10/2006 
 13/10/2006 
 New Zealand 
 The Minister travelled to Wellington and Auckland where she discussed the operation of different devolved and coalition governments.
 Margaret Curran
 3
£6,722.37


 11/10/2006 
 13/10/2006 
 Iceland 
 The Minister travelled to Reykjavik to learn about Iceland’s hydrogen energy policy and the difficulties they have overcome. He toured the island and saw the various demonstration projects in operation.
 Alan Wilson
 2
£1,462.06


 14/10/2006 
 22/10/2006 
 USA 
 The Minister travelled to the USA for a series of business, political and educational visits in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Washington. The programme also included a Dressed to Kilt event.
 Jack McConnell
 4
£15,012.11


 22/10/2006 
 27/10/2006 
 China/Japan
 The Minister travelled to Beijing to develop Scotland’s business and research agenda in the renewable energy sector. In Tokyo he met with a number of important Japanese investors.
 Nicol Stephen
 4
£5,792.00


 22/10/2006 
 
 Luxembourg 
 The Minister travelled to Luxembourg where she attended the Environment Council
 Rhona Brankin
 2
£595.70


 23/10/2006 
 24/10/2006
 Luxembourg 
 The Minister travelled to Luxembourg where he attended the Agricultural and Fisheries Council.
 Ross Finnie
 3
£893.80**


 10/11/2006 
 12/11/2006 
 Poland 
 The Minister travelled to Warsaw to attend the Warsaw Caledonian Society’s Charity Ball as a guest of honour. He also attended the Liberator Memorial Stone where he met Polish Veterans who trained in Scotland.
 Tom McCabe 
 2
£763.40


 12/11/2006 
 13/11/2006 
 Ireland 
 The Minister travelled to Dublin and made a joint declaration to commit Scotland and Ireland to work together on a number of issues, including science and education.
 Jack McConnell
 4
£252.70


 13/11/2006 
 14/11/2006 
 Kenya 
 The Minister travelled to Nairobi to co-host a climate change event on the Montreal Declaration.
 Ross Finnie
 3
£3,868.59


 20/11/2006 
 21/11/2006 
 Belgium 
 The Minister travelled to Brussels to attend an Agriculture and Fisheries Council
 Ross Finnie
 3
£1,022.40


 30/11/2006 
 04/12/2006 
 Qatar 
 The Minister travelled to Doha to attend the Asian Games. She hosted a reception for the organisers in particular, the 8 Commonwealth countries in support of the Glasgow 2014 bid.
 Patricia Ferguson
 2
£2,567.00


 05/12/2006 
 06/12/2006 
 Finland 
 The Minister travelled to Helsinki where he met with other EU Education Ministers.
 Allan Wilson
 2
 0.00*


 09/12/2006 
 14/12/2006 
 South Africa 
 The Minister travelled to Cape Town to attend the 16th Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers. He also met with Ministers from Ontario, Victoria, New Zealand and Malawi. 
 Hugh Henry
 3
£3,604.00



 18/12/2006 
 21/12/2006 
 Belgium 
 The Minister attended an Environment Council and Agriculture and Fisheries Councils, in Brussels
 Ross Finnie
 5
£1,253.90


 08/01/2007 
 09/01/2007 
 France 
 The Minister attended the formal re-opening of the Appeal Court and met with the French Prosecutor General
 Elish Angiolini 
 1
£580.42


 19/02/2007 
 
 Belgium 
 The Minister travelled to Brussels to attend an Environment Council
 Sarah Boyack
 1
£674.00


 20/03/2007 
 
 Belgium 
 The Minister travelled to Brussels to meet with Commission Vice President Margot Wallstrőm. Launch of communications project with the European Commission. 
 Jack McConnell
 4
£729.02


 Total
 
 
 
 
 
£98,818.64



  

 Date of Visit
 End Date 
(if different)
 Location
 Event
 Minister (s)
 Number of Officials who Travelled
Cost of Minister’s Travel and Subsistence (£)


 18/04/2007 
 20/04/2007 
 Luxembourg 
 The Lord Advocate travelled to Luxembourg to attend an EU Justice and Home Affairs Committee.
 Elish Angiolini
 1
£1,071.93


 11/06/2007 
 12/06/2007 
 Luxembourg 
 The Minister travelled to Luxembourg to attend an EU Agriculture & Fisheries Council.
 Richard Lochhead
 3
£1,017.00


 18/06/2007 
 19/06/2007 
 France 
 The Minister travelled to Paris to attend the International Airshow where he promoted Scotland’s contribution to the aerospace sector in the global market.
 Jim Mather
 2
£802.39


 24/06/2007 
 27/06/2007 
 Canada 
 The Solicitor General travelled to Vancouver to promote Scotland as an independent and active participant in the development of international criminal justice processes. He was also invited to speak on the application of police powers in the prosecution of crime.
 Frank Mulholland
 2
£4,685.00


 11/07/2007 
 12/07/2007 
 Belgium 
 The First Minister travelled to Brussels where he held a reception for key European contacts and attended a Passchendaele memorial service with Her Majesty The Queen.
Alex Salmond 
 4
£1,335.69


 11/07/2007 
 12/07/2007 
 Belgium 
 The Minister travelled to Brussels where she supported First Minister at a reception for Brussels stakeholders and undertook a series of separate engagements including meeting with Geert Bourgeois, Flemish Minister for Administrative Affairs, Foreign Policy, Media and Tourism.
 Linda Fabiani
 2
£1,310.19


 02/08/2007 
 07/08/2007 
 France 
 The Minister travelled to Lorient to attend the Interceltique Festival. 2007 was the year of Scotland at the Festival with a specific Scottish focused programme which highlighted Scotland’s rich Celtic culture and promote Scotland as a great place to visit, live and work.
 Linda Fabiani
 2
£761.52


 24/08/2007 
 26/08/2007 
 Belgium 
 The Minister travelled to Brussels to represent the Scottish Government at Scots Passchendaele Commemorations.
 Linda Fabiani
 2
£833.26


 15/09/2007 
 20/09/2007 
 China 
 The Lord Advocate travelled to Hong Kong to attend the International Association of Prosecutors Conference. The topics discussed included International fight against crime, the growth in serious transnational crime, particularly drug trafficking, money laundering and fraud.
 Elish Angiolini
 2
£4,480.11


 26/09/2007 
 
 Belgium 
 The Minister travelled to Brussels to attend the Agriculture and Fisheries Council. 
 Richard Lochhead
 3
£569.80


 10/10/2007 
 13/10/2007 
 USA 
 The First Minister travelled to New York to promote Scotland as an attractive location for investment.
 Alex Salmond
 2
£6,349.84


 11/10/2007 
 12/10/2007 
 France 
 The Lord Advocate attended a conference in Paris organised by the Prosecutor General of the Court of Cassation
 Elish Angiolini
 2
£852.00


 14/10/2007 
 20/10/2007 
 Canada & USA
 The Minister visited 6 cities to promote Scotland as a place to do business and invest in as well as to brief Provincial Ministers on the priorities of the new Scottish Government. Also supported "Scotland Funds" events in Vancouver and Toronto.
 Jim Mather
 1
£3,926.65


 15/10/2007 
 16/10/2007
 Belgium 
 The Minister travelled to Brussels to attend a meeting prior to the EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council.
 Richard Lochhead
 3
£700.12


 22/10/2007 
 23/10/2007 
 Luxembourg 
 The Minister travelled to Luxembourg to attend an EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council.
 Richard Lochhead
 3
£1,066.40


 24/10/2007 
 27/10/2007 
 Spain 
 The Lord Advocate travelled to Madrid to attend European Justice Ministers Conference.
 Elish Angiolini
 2
£1,118.56


 05/11/2007 
 12/11/2007 
 Sri Lanka 
 The First Minister travelled to Sri Lanka for the decision on the bid by Glasgow for the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
 Alex Salmond
 3
£3,912.50


 05/11/2007 
 12/11/2007 
 Sri Lanka 
 The Minister for Communities and Sport travelled to Sri Lanka for the decision on the bid by Glasgow for the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
 Stewart Maxwell
 1
£2,382.50


 07/11/2007 
 08/11/2007 
 Belgium 
 The Solicitor General travelled to Brussels to attend an EU Justice & Home Affairs Council.
 Frank Mulholland
 1
£1,150.00


 15/11/2007 
 16/11/2007 
 Spain 
 The Minister travelled to Barcelona to attend the conference of Regions with Legislative Powers.
 Linda Fabiani
 1
£976.04


 25/11/2007 
 26/11/2007 
 Netherlands 
 The Minister travelled to The Hague to attend a EUROPOL conference.
 Kenny MacAskill
 2
£1,186.40


 25/11/2007 
 27/11/2007 
 Belgium 
 The Minister travelled to Brussels to attend an EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council.
 Richard Lochhead
 5
£697.67


 27/11/2007 
 
 Belgium 
 The Minister travelled to Brussels to attend a series of meetings on energy and structural funds policy.
 Jim Mather
 2
£475.50


 02/12/2007 
 03/12/2007 
 USA 
 The Minister travelled to New York to attend the Global Scot conference.
 John Swinney
 1
£2,920.28


 06/12/2007 
 07/12/2007 
 Belgium 
 The Solicitor General travelled to Brussels to attend an EU Justice & Home Affairs Council.
 Frank Mulholland
 1
£847.00


 09/12/2007 
 10/12/2007 
 Denmark 
 The Minister travelled to Copenhagen to meet with members of the Danish Government to discuss and learn about minority government. He also met with the Head of the Nordic Council.
 Bruce Crawford
 2
£800.00


 13/12/2007 
 
 Belgium 
 The Minister travelled to Brussels to meet with Commissioner Borg in advance of the EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council.
 Richard Lochhead
 3
£588.23


 16/12/2007 
 20/12/2007 
 Belgium 
 The Minister travelled to Brussels to attend the EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council.
 Richard Lochhead
 3
£1,401.53


 25/01/2008 
 26/01/2008 
 France 
 The Minister travelled to Paris to attend a workshop with the GlobalScots from the Southern Europe Region. He also attended a Burns supper hosted by Scottish Development International.
 Stewart Stevenson
 0
£283.50


 28/01/2008 
 30/01/2008 
 Belgium 
 The Minister travelled to Brussels to meet with Commissioners, MEPs and
 Linda Fabiani
 2
£557.33


 Member State Permanent representatives. She also hosted a Burns supper. 


 03/02/2008 
 04/02/2008
 Belgium 
 The Minister travelled to Brussels to meet with Commissioners Potoĉnik and Dimas.
 Mike Russell
 2
£584.80


 09/02/2008 
 16/02/2008 
 Malawi 
 The Minister travelled to Malawi to affirm the new Scottish Government’s commitment to working with Malawi. She met with Malawi Ministers to discuss future priorities. She also visited a number of projects funded by the Scottish Government’s International Development fund.
 Linda Fabiani
 2
£5,494.54


 13/02/2008 
 14/02/2008 
 Ireland 
 The First Minister travelled to Dublin to attend the British-Irish Council.
 Alex Salmond,
 3
£182.72



 13/02/2008 
 14/02/2008 
 Ireland 
 The Minister for Community Safety travelled to Dublin to attend the British-Irish Council. 
 Fergus Ewing
 as above
£217.23


 13/02/2008 
 14/02/2008 
 Ireland 
 The Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning travelled to Dublin to attend a series of meetings around the British-Irish Council focusing on workplace innovations.
 Fiona Hyslop
 as above
£169.40


 27/02/2008 
 28/02/2008 
 Belgium 
 The Solicitor General travelled to Brussels to attend an EU Justice and Home Affairs Council.
 Frank Mulholland
 1
£871.00


 04/03/2008 
 06/03/2008 
 Norway 
 The Minister travelled to Oslo to attend the North Atlantic Seafood Forum.
 Richard Lochhead
 1
£600.00


 14/03/2008 
 16/03/2008 
 Italy 
 The Minister travelled to Rome to attend the Italy v Scotland 6 Nations rugby international. He also had discussions with representatives of the Italian Rugby Federation about a possible bid to host Rugby World Cup 2015.
 Stewart Maxwell
 0
£716.00


 17/03/2008 
 18/03/2008 
 Belgium 
 The Minister travelled to Brussels to attend the EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council. He also held bilateral meetings with Hilary Benn and Commissioner Fischer Boel and Borg.
 Richard Lochhead
 3
£300.00


 29/03/2008 
 07/04/2008 
 USA 
 The Minister travelled to the USA where she undertook a series of engagements as part of the Scotland Week delegation. The programme covered events in Washington and New York. The Minister then travelled to Toronto, Canada, where she visited Guelph University which has strong educational links with Scotland. She also attended a reception organised by VisitScotland and SDI.
 Linda Fabiani
 3
£4,443.84


 29/03/2008 
 06/04/2008 
 USA 
 The First Minister travelled to USA where he undertook a series of engagements as part of the Scotland Week delegation. The programme covered events in Washington and New York.
 Alex Salmond
 4
£6,915.27


 28/03/2008 
 06/04/2008 
 USA 
 The Minister travelled to USA where he undertook a series of engagements as part of the Scotland Week delegation. The programme covered meetings and events in Seattle, San Jose, Houston and Austin. 
 Jim Mather
 1
£5,981.59


 Total
 
 
 
 
 
£75,535.33



  Notes:

  *No costs incurred to Scottish Executive.

  **Costs relate to flights only – other additional costs unavailable.

NHS Hospitals

Marlyn Glen (North East Scotland) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing’s statements on 11 September 2008 that a buy-out of the PFI contract for car parking at Ninewells Hospital "would cost tens of millions of pounds" ( Official Report c. 10734 and 10736) and subsequent notification in a letter dated 12 November 2008 to Marlyn Glen MSP that this estimated cost emerged in a telephone conversation between her officials and representatives of NHS Tayside, for what reason the cabinet secretary is unable to provide a copy of the written record of the telephone conversation, as stated in a letter to Marlyn Glen dated 18 November 2008.

Nicola Sturgeon: The written record of the conversation contained officials’ initial assessment of the potential negotiating position of the PFI provider. It would undermine NHS Tayside’s negotiating position if that figure was in the public domain and therefore it is not in the public interest to release it.

NHS Staff

Dr Richard Simpson (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-17745 by Nicola Sturgeon on 19 November 2008, when it expects the 8,274 members of NHS staff still to be paid arrears after assimilation under Agenda for Change will be paid the arrears.

Nicola Sturgeon: Since my previous answer further progress has been made and at the end of November the number waiting for arrears had come down to 5,534.

  To put this into context, the effective date of introduction of Agenda for Change was 1 October 2004. When the current administration took office in May 2007, 124,381 staff had been assimilated and 59% of these had been assessed for arrears with these paid where appropriate. By the end of November 2008, the number assimilated had increased to 175,004 and the percentage who had received payment of arrears had been increased to 93%.

  Boards are currently working hard to try to have all substantive staff assimilated by the end of the year. Thereafter, I would expect boards to ensure payment of arrears are processed as early as possible in the new year. Progress will be monitored on a monthly basis.

Pensions

Andrew Welsh (Angus) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish the latest actuarial valuations for the Scottish Teachers and NHS pensions schemes.

John Swinney: Valuation reports prepared by the Government Actuarial Department (GAD) for the Scottish Teachers’ Superannuation Scheme for the period 2001 to 2005 and for the NHS Superannuation Scheme for Scotland for the period 1999 to 2004 have been laid before the Scottish Parliament today. Copies have been placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. numbers 47169 –NHS and 47170 - STSS).

  The report on the NHS scheme concluded that a reduction in the employer contribution rate from 14% to 13.5% was appropriate from 1 April 2009.

  The report on the teachers’ scheme concluded that an increase in the employer contribution rate from 13.5% to 14.9% was required from 1 April 2009. This is mainly as a result of increased longevity and an increase in the ill-health and early retirement numbers beyond previous actuarial assumptions.

  Both valuations take account of recent changes to schemes which increase the pension age for new public servants from 60 to 65 and other miscellaneous changes to the benefits provided to members.

Pensions

Alex Neil (Central Scotland) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will set out any developments in relation to the administrative arrangements for paying pensions to public service pensioners in Scotland.

John Swinney: I have today sent a note to the Convenor of the Finance Committee on this subject. A copy of the memorandum attached to my note has been placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 47178).

Prison Service

Dr Richard Simpson (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that information on offenders’ learning difficulties is provided (a) to the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) on admission to and (b) by the SPS to community services on discharge from custody.

Kenny MacAskill: I have asked Mike Ewart, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

  Social Enquiry Reports and Trial Judge Reports may make reference to learning difficulty/disability issues. The SPS receive both reports and will follow up this information providing the prisoner consents to information being requested from their GP or other community based providers. Additionally, the SPS relies on prisoners self disclosing diagnosis of learning difficulty.

  Where a prisoner is subject to post-release supervision community service providers are involved in the multi-agency Integrated Case Management (ICM) Community Integration Planning (CIP) process. The involvement of community service providers to this planning process facilitates two way communications of relevant information regarding learning difficulties/disabilities between the community and the SPS, including post release information.

  In addition discharge summaries are sent to the GP’s where prisoner’s GP information is known and the prisoner wishes such information to be shared. In specific cases of extreme learning difficulty/disability which could affect the prisoner’s return to the community, a Care Programme Approach as used by the NHS may be initiated prior to the prisoner’s release from prison.

Prison Service

Dr Richard Simpson (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what protocols are in place to ensure that every prisoner is assessed for learning difficulties on admission to custody.

Kenny MacAskill: I have asked Mike Ewart, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to respond. His response is as follows:

  All convicted prisoners receive an initial Core Screen interview as part of the Integrated Case Management (ICM) process within 72 hours of admission. This process can highlight specific needs including learning difficulties but relies on self disclosure by the prisoner. The initial Core Screening interview forms the start of the process which can lead to referrals to specialist service providers including education and health care within the prison.

  In addition to the Core Screen interview convicted prisoners also complete a literacy alerting tool which can establish if a prisoner has potential literacy learning needs, this may also highlight potential learning difficulties.

  In accordance with the SPS Health Care Standard 1, all prisoners have a physical, mental health, and addictions screening on admission to custody. There is no specific health care screening tool in place to identify learning difficulties.

Scottish Government Visits

George Foulkes (Lothians) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will provide details of any planned visits by civil servants to (a) Iceland, (b) Norway, (c) Ireland and (d) Denmark in 2009.

Linda Fabiani: It is currently planned that in 2009 officials of the Scottish Government and its agencies will undertake the following visits as set out in the following table.

  

(a) Iceland


None planned.



  

 (b) Norway
 


 28 to 30 April
 Officials from Transport Directorate attending Air Transport in Remoter Regions Forum, Bergen.


 16 to 17 November
 Chief Executive, Scottish Prison Service attending round-table discussion.


 Date to be Confirmed
 Visit to discuss connecting Registers of Scotland "Registers Direct" web-based service to EULIS, the European Union Land Information System, the portal for which is maintained by Norway.



  

 (c) Ireland
 


 January
 Two officials from the Europe, External Affairs and Culture Directorate attending 2-day workshop on diaspora strategies organised by the National University of Ireland (Maynooth) in Dublin.


 March
 Official from Support for Learning Division attending British and Irish anti-bullying forum.


 11 to 15 May
 Officials from Student Awards Agency participating with universities in the "Study in Scotland" group by visiting schools to give advice on the funding and eligibility arrangements for studying in Scotland.


 June
 Officials from Rural Payments and Inspections Directorate attending scientific conference.


 8 to 9 October
 Senior Chief Inspector of Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education will attend the General Assembly of the Standing International Conference of Inspectorates (SICI) in his capacity as President of the organisation.


 Date to be Confirmed
 Officials from Rural Payments and Inspections Directorate attending discussions on the Common Agricultural Policy.


 Date to be Confirmed
 Officials from General Register Office participating in British-Irish Council work on migration.


 Date to be Confirmed
 Two officials from General Register Office overseeing printing of rehearsal questionnaires for 2011 Scottish census.


 Dates to be Confirmed
 Staff from Registers of Scotland will attend two meetings of the eRegistration Working Group, a sub-group of the Four Registries Group.



  

 (d) Denmark
 


 10 to 12 March
 Director of Environmental Quality Directorate attending Climate Change Global Risks, Challenges and Decisions Conference in Copenhagen.


 17 to 18 March
 An official from Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education (HMIE) will meet head teachers to talk about the work of HMIE in relation to follow-through inspection, and school employees to talk about the relationship between inspection and improvement in education.


 December
 Officials from the Climate Change and Water Industry Directorate will attend the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen.